A global report has revealed that the French, not the British, are taking the top spot as the world’s worst tippers in holiday hotspots.

The new Global Tipping Index from Direct Line Travel Insurance1 investigated tipping trends from holiday locations across the globe, including Barcelona, Las Vegas, Paris, Phuket, Sao Paulo and Ibiza.

While Brits abroad are notoriously known for their poor tipping, the findings highlight it is the French who take the title of the world’s tightest tippers. One in three (30%) of the bars and restaurants interviewed highlight Britain’s closest Continental neighbour as most tight-fisted.

British travellers were placed second (21%) with Italy (11%) completing the bottom three.

At the other end of the league table, over a quarter (27%) of establishments in the index highlight that Americans are the most generous tippers. This is followed by the Germans (21%) and the Russians (16%). Only six per cent of bars highlighted Brits as the best tippers.

The Global Tipping Index reveals the average tip received by bars and restaurants across the world is 11%, with the most generous tips given in Argentina and the USA (both 13%).

Our reserved nature and laws preventing employers using tips to top up salaries mean there is not an established tipping culture in the UK

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line

Despite this, Brits tip seven per cent in bars and restaurants, two thirds of the global average. More than a third (35%) of restaurants and bars went on to say British travellers do not tip anything at all.

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, said: “Tipping expectations vary hugely across the globe and reflect different cultures, attitudes and laws. Our reserved nature and laws preventing employers using tips to top up salaries mean there is not an established tipping culture in the UK. Many of us feel awkward and confused when it comes to tipping practices across the world.

“To avoid uncomfortable situations and causing offence abroad do your research into the nuances of tipping in the country you are visiting, as practices can vary widely from country to country. In Japan for example, tipping is seen as offensive and considered an insult, but in the USA it is expected.”